Femi Adesina, former spokesman to late President Muhammadu Buhari, has revealed one of the strongest directives ever given by the former leader during Nigeria’s battle against terrorism.

In a heartfelt tribute following Buhari’s passing, Adesina recalled a moment in 2021 when the president, overwhelmed by the escalating insurgency, gave a no-holds-barred order to the nation’s security chiefs.

“Wipe out these people. Kill them,” Buhari reportedly said.
“They are haters of humanity. They don’t deserve to live.”

According to Adesina, the president, visibly emotional, was pleading with the military to act fast and decisively against terrorists who were wreaking havoc across the country.

Buhari’s frustration reflected the immense pressure on his administration as Nigerians continued to suffer from attacks, kidnappings, and bombings linked to insurgent groups.

At the time of the powerful meeting, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru was the Chief of Army Staff. He reportedly responded with determination, assuring the president that once new military equipment arrived, the job would be done.

Sadly, just one week after giving that assurance, General Attahiru died in a tragic military plane crash, dealing a major blow to the military’s counter-terror efforts.

Adesina said the moment exposed a side of Buhari that many didn’t see—one deeply concerned about the safety of Nigerians and desperate to end the bloodshed.

The former president passed away recently in a London hospital, and his final moments and actions are now being revisited by close allies and aides.